The majority of back pain is caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or spinal problems. However, back pain isn't always musculoskeletal. In some cases, the pain may originate from the kidneys.
The kidneys are located on either side of the spine, just below the ribs and quite close to the lower back. Therefore, when the kidneys have problems, patients often feel pain or discomfort in the lower back area, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).
Back pain due to kidney problems may be accompanied by fever and fatigue.
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Because kidney pain can be easily confused with common back pain, many people tend to overlook the early warning signs. To differentiate between muscle and spinal back pain and kidney pain, people should note the following.
Dull pain in the lower back and hip area.
A common symptom of kidney pain is a dull ache in the lower back. This area is located on either side of the back, just below the ribs. The pain is usually deep inside, unlike superficial muscle pain.
Many people describe this feeling as like something is pressing down on their back. The pain may occur on one or both sides of the back. This condition can occur when the kidneys are inflamed, swollen, or under internal pressure. Some conditions that can cause this type of pain include kidney infections or diseases that cause the kidneys to swell.
A key difference is that kidney pain typically doesn't change much when the patient changes position. Rest, massage, or heat usually don't provide significant pain relief. In contrast, muscle-related back pain often decreases with rest and increases with strenuous activity.
Severe, intermittent pain
A very characteristic type of back pain related to the kidneys is severe, intermittent pain. The most common cause is kidney stones.
When a kidney stone moves from the kidney down the ureter, it can cause very intense pain. Patients often feel sudden pain in the lower back below the ribs. The pain may radiate to the abdomen or down to the groin. A characteristic feature of this pain is that it comes in waves, intensifying then subsiding, and then reappearing.
In addition to back pain, patients may experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, painful urination, or blood in the urine. These symptoms occur because the kidney stones irritate the urinary tract.
Pain accompanied by fever and fatigue.
If back pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or fatigue, it could be a sign of a kidney infection. Kidney infections often start as a urinary tract infection and spread to the kidneys. The pain is usually on one side of the back and may be accompanied by symptoms such as burning or stinging sensations during urination, frequent urination, or nausea.
A key difference is that common back pain rarely causes a fever. In this case, the patient should seek medical attention promptly because kidney infections require antibiotic treatment, according to Medical News Today .